Christmastime is here

We already have the Christmas music playing, the hot chocolates brewing and we are decorating this weekend! Yes, Thanksgiving is next week so we are "early" but we are entertaining over the holidays and there is a lot to get done. Operation: Christmas Tree Step one: haul decorations out of the basement Step two: dust and clean up Step three: put together the tree Step four: string 500 lights on tree Step five: trim the tree with our special ornaments

Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos

We are so lucky! Headed down to the Florida Keys with some great friends. I am doing some research for a project but there will be time for fun and relaxation. I will most likely be preparing this dish with the husband. They recommend mahi mahi, or orata. Maybe we will be able to catch our dinner!

Herb-and-Honey-Roasted Baby Carrots » Harvard Common Press

Herb-and-Honey-Roasted Baby Carrots » Harvard Common Press

This looks good. I will pair this with some kind of chicken dish tonight. The carrots are a nice color for this time of year, I have orange on my mind.

Staircase Style

Traditional Staircase design by Grand Rapids Architect Visbeen Associates, Inc.

We are in need to revamp our current staircase situation. I will be posting inspirational photos, and my before and (hopefully) the dramatically improved after photos. Right now we have safety in mind because we have small children, so we need to keep carpeting of some sort. The task on hand is to come up with a plan that is child safe and aesthetically pleasing. I am up for the challenge.

Goodbye Summer!

Traditional Showers design by The Orvis Company

As the weather grows cooler, I think of all the fun summer times and start planning outdoor projects for next year. Top of the list: new patio, outdoor shower, gate for the fence What's on your list?

Natural Teak Table

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Hot as Hades

Contemporary Living Room design by Miami Interior Designer b+g design inc.

We've had quite a hot streak in Minneapolis, so I don't know why I am thinking about fireplaces. I love this one with the open sides + concrete texture.

Eclectic Living Room design by Dallas Media And Blogs Jamie Laubhan-Oliver

Metal is unexpected in the rustic setting. While a wood burning fireplace is the ultimate in mood setting, the ash and environmental impact caused me to consider a gas unit. Looks like we'll be replacing our white painted brick wood burner someday...

Happy Memories!

These gorgeous peonies are from a coworkers garden. Here they sit at our design firm. Five years ago this week I was married and walked down the aisle with a bouquet of fresh peonies. The scent brought me back to that special day.

Forgotten Corner

This little corner by the garage was lonely and neglected. It's right on the street where people pass by so we wanted to pretty it up a bit.

Deck After Magic

The last step will be the stain, going to finish this next weekend we hope! See the golden color.

Cabot Wood Brightener

This product was fantastic. It has little odor, simple instructions and worked magic on our deck. It's very rewarding to see the difference.

Deck Before

Our cedar deck, grayed and covered in scum. Our trusty Home Depot pal told us about a product, Cabot Wood Brightener, that you paint on, wait 15 minutes, then scrub and brush off. We'll see if it works...

Fence Project Progress

Here we are using chemical stripper to clear the paint. It is nasty work but it is getting the fence back to the natural cedar, which is the ultimate goal. It takes a long time to get the fence back but we'll get there, I hope.

The Great Fence Project

As you see our fence is peeling, blue, and unsightly. So I started hand peeling, strip by strip, the old blue paint off...

Groovy Times

I got a quick tour of the new Jonathan Adler space in Uptown. It is really fun and chic. The C Jere mirror on the wall is a stunner. I dig the tongue in cheek sense of humor and the Old Hollywood references. So happy to see more decor shops in Minneapolis!

Start thinking patio

Love this Richard Schultz table! It is so precious. It is organic, modern and classic. Mix this in with any style.

Beautiful Dream

Luxury retail is all about selling the fantasy. This gorgeous store window display was at Louis Vuitton in the Galleria. They have the best window displays! I love the pattern, colors and drama.

Little Darlings

I married into a dachshund family and now I cannot resist them! They always look so Parisian to me. These are carried at Roam in Uptown. The pillows could add a touch of whimsy to a super structured sectional.

More Spring Color

These are a great value at Target and I love the fresh color. The zig zag is very Mary McDonald. I love accessible luxury trend items.

Seeing Green

As seen on these cute pillows at CB2 in Uptown, green is the it color this spring.

Displaying our Collection

Finally out of the basement and into our new crate and barrel vases.

Shells from Ruby Beach, Washington

Living the Fantasy

Sweet Serenity Image Gallery - Hamptons Cottages & Gardens - August 1 2011 - Hamptons

This restored cottage designed by Joseph Cornetta is a major inspiration for me. The simple color palette, use of modern classics and minimal yet lush landscaping add up to a relaxing getaway home for every day or just the weekends.
This is not a large lavish home but every detail is perfect. I really gravitate towards this size of a home, it reminds me of my grandparents cozy bungalow with a lake view. It was well edited, with sweet little paintings, copper firepace and a big picture window.
People have so many versions of what home means to them. A rustic farmhouse, stately brick with columns, modern concrete loft, all speak different languages that represent home to different people.

Life gets in the way

Since I started this blog, my life has changed- all for the better! I left my full time job for Design Within Reach without a definite plan in mind. I now work part time as an interior designer for a fab architecture and design firm- my dream job, and have way more time to spend with my family. It was scary to make a big change but it was totally worth it.
For 2012 we have some new house projects planned. The basement needs to be converted to a playroom/ walkout. Major work ahead! For a small update we will repaint the master bedroom and change the window treatments.